Devices and methods for inter-vertebral orthopedic device placement

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are devices and methods for the controlled movement of neighboring vertebrae and the delivery of an orthopedic implant between adjacent spinous processes. The methods are especially adapted to be performed using minimally invasive surgery or in a percutaneous manner.

REFERENCE TO PRIORITY DOCUMENT

This application claims priority of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/724,632, filed Oct. 7, 2005. Priority of the aforementioned filing date is hereby claimed and the disclosure of the Provisional Patent Application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/286,152 filed Nov. 23, 2005.

This application also is related to International application Serial No. (attorney docket no. 17348-019W01), filed the same day herewith.

Where permitted, the subject matter of each of the above noted provisional application, application and international application is incorporated by reference in its entirety by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods that permit implantation of an orthopedic device between skeletal segments using minimally invasive surgery. The implanted devices are then used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationship(s) of adjacent bones. Depending on the implant design, the motion between the skeletal segments can be increased, modified, limited or completely immobilized.

Progressive constriction of the central canal within the spinal column is a predictable consequence of aging. As the spinal canal narrows, the nerve elements that reside within it become progressively more crowded. Eventually, the canal dimensions become sufficiently small so as to significantly compress the nerve elements and produce pain, weakness, sensory changes, clumsiness and other manifestations of nervous system dysfunction.

Constriction of the canal within the lumbar spine is termed lumbar stenosis. This condition is very common in the elderly and causes a significant proportion of the low back pain, lower extremity pain, lower extremity weakness, limitation of mobility and the high disability rates that afflict this age group. The traditional treatment for this condition has been the surgical removal of the bone and ligamentous structures that constrict the spinal canal. Despite advances in surgical technique, spinal decompression surgery can be an extensive operation with risks of complication from the actual surgical procedure and the general anesthetic that is required to perform it. Since many of these elderly patients are in frail health, the risk of developing significant peri-operative medical problems remains high.

In addition, the traditional treatment of surgical resection of spinal structures may relieve the neural compression but lead to spinal instability in a substantial minority of patients. That is, removal of the tissues that compress the nerves may cause the spinal vertebrae to move in an abnormal fashion and produce pain. Should instability develop, it would require additional and even more extensive surgery in order to re-establish spinal stability. Because of these issues, elderly patients with lumbar stenosis must often choose between living the remaining years in significant pain or enduring the potential life-threatening complications of open spinal decompression surgery.

Recently, lumbar stenosis has been treated by the distraction—instead of resection—of those tissues that compress the spinal nerves. In this approach, an implantable device is placed between the spinous processes of the vertebral bodies at the stenotic level in order to limit the extent of bone contact during spinal extension. Since encroachment upon the nerve elements occurs most commonly and severely in extension, this treatment strategy produces an effective increase in the size of the spinal canal by limiting the amount of spinal extension. In effect, the distraction of the spinous processes changes the local bony anatomy and decompresses the nerves at the distracted levels.

A number of devices that utilize this strategy have been disclosed. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,451,020; 6,695,842; 5,609,634; 5,645,599; 6,451,019; 6,761,720; 6,332,882; 6,419,676; 6,514,256; 6,699,246 and others illustrate various spinous process distractors. Unfortunately, the placement of these devices requires exposure of the spinous processes and the posterior aspect of the spinal column. Thus, these operations still present a significant risk of peri-operative complications in this frail patient population.

SUMMARY

It would be desirable to achieve an improved method for the placement of an orthopedic device between the spinous processes of adjacent spinal segments. A workable method of minimally invasive and/or percutaneous delivery would reduce the surgical risks of these procedures and significantly increase the usefulness of these spinous process distractors. This application discloses devices for the percutaneous placement of inter-spinous process implants. The methods of use disclosed herein provide reliable approaches that maximize the likelihood of optimal device placement and obviate the need for open surgery.

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods adapted to accurately place an orthopedic device between adjacent spinous processes. The technique employs a percutaneous approach and constitutes a minimally invasive method of delivery.

In one aspect, the patient is placed on his side or in the prone position. The hips and knees are flexed. The disclosed procedure is performed under x-ray guidance and the target level is identified radiographically. Bone screws are percutaneously inserted into the spinous processes of the upper and lower vertebrae of the stenotic site. A distractor is placed onto the two screws and a guide tube (with inner trocar) is placed through a distractor platform and percutaneously positioned under x-ray guidance so that the distal end of the guide tube rests immediately lateral to the space between the spinous processes. Alternatively, the procedure is performed under direct visualization using minimally invasive surgery. The inner trocar is removed and an insertion tube is placed though the guide tube. The implant is placed into the insertion tube and guided into position between the two spinous processes. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by a curvilinear guide at the distal end of the insertion tube.

In another embodiment, the distraction platform is not used and a guide tube is percutaneously placed into position immediately lateral to the space between the spinous processes under X-ray guidance. The inner trocar is removed and the insertion tube is used to deliver the implant as described above. In another embodiment, guide tubes are placed on each side of the space between the spinous processes. After trocar removal, insertion tubes are placed and the implant is guided into the interspinous space from one side or the other.

In another embodiment, a different distraction platform is employed. In this version, the platform bore used to position the guide tube is placed at or near the vertebral midline. The implant is advanced in a substantially straight trajectory through the ligament between the spinous processes and directly into the implantation site.

The placement system described herein provides an easy and reliable way of placing an orthopedic device between the spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae. Using this method, the implant can be placed rapidly, precisely, with a few small skin incisions and a minimized amount of tissue dissection. The method permits minimally-invasive device placement using only local anesthesia into those afflicted patients who are at least able to withstand the stress of open surgical intervention.

Other features and advantages should be apparent from the following description of various embodiments, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the disclosed devices and methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a platform of an implantation device for implanting an orthopedic device between skeletal segments.

FIG. 2 shows a pair of distraction screws attached to two vertebrae prior to mounting of the platform thereon.

FIG. 3 shows how the platform mounts onto the distraction screws.

FIG. 4 shows the platform device, a guide tube, and an inner trocar.

FIGS. 5A-5C show various views of the guide tube.

FIG. 6 shows the guide tube and a trocar collectively positioned within the platform.

FIG. 7 shows the guide tube mounted on the platform after the trocar has been removed.

FIG. 8 shows an insertion member prior to insertion into the guide tube.

FIG. 9 shows the insertion member mounted in the guide tube, which is mounted on the platform.

FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of the insertion tube.

FIG. 10B shows a perspective, cross-sectional view of the insertion tube.

FIG. 10C shows a first side view of the insertion tube.

FIG. 10D shows a second side view of the insertion tube.

FIG. 10E shows a cross-sectional side view of the insertion tube along line E-E of FIG. 10C.

FIGS. 11A-11D show various views of an implant.

FIG. 12 shows an implant being inserted into a proximal opening of the insertion tube, which is positioned inside the guide tube.

FIGS. 13A-13C show how the implant passes through the insertion tube and into an interspinous position.

FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of the implantation platform.

FIG. 15 shows an additional embodiment of the implantation platform.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show another embodiment of an implantation procedure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed are devices and methods for the placement of an orthopedic implant between skeletal segments (such as vertebrae) using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationship(s) of adjacent bones.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a platform device that is used to implant an orthopedic device between skeletal segments, such as between a first vertebral body V1 and a second vertebral body V2. For clarity of illustration, the vertebral bodies are represented schematically and those skilled in the art will appreciate that actual vertebral bodies include anatomical details not shown in FIG. 1. Moreover, although described in the context of being used with vertebrae, it should be appreciated that the implantation device and associated methods can also be used with other skeletal segments. For clarity of illustration, certain anatomical details, such as the patient's skin, are not shown in the figures.

With reference to FIG. 1, the implantation device generally includes a platform 105 that is removably mounted onto elongated distraction screws 110 a and 110 b (collectively screws 110). The platform 105 includes a movably adjustable mounting member 115 having a bore 122 that receives tools for guiding and inserting an implant into a space 127 between adjacent vertebrae. While not illustrated for simplicity, an additional instrument can be used to separate and retain sides 120 of the platform 105 and thereby distract the space 127 between the two spinous processes or vertebrae in the longitudinal plane. Alternatively, a rack-like ratcheting member can be added to the platform 105 in order to distract and maintain the distracted position of the two vertebrae. Further, distraction screws 110 can be also used to alter the vertebral alignment in the horizontal plane. Thus, the screws 110 and the platform 105 can be used to actuate, manipulate and/or move the vertebral bodies V1, V2 relative to one another so as to achieve a desired spatial relationship. With the vertebrae retained by distraction screws 110 and platform 105, the intended implant placement site can be defined relative to the position of the screws 110, the position of the platform 105 and/or the spatial relationship between them. The implant is then guided to the intended implantation site based on these defined spatial positions.

FIG. 2 shows the two vertebrae prior to mounting of the platform 105. The distraction screws 110 a and 110 b are anchored onto the spinous processes of vertebrae V1 and V2, respectively, such that each distraction screw 110 is attached at its distal end to a separate vertebra. In this regard, the distal end of each screw 110 can include a structure for attaching to the spinous process, such as a threaded shank 112.

FIG. 3 shows how the platform 105 mounts onto the distraction screws 110. The platform 105 includes a pair of elongated sleeves 305 a and 305 b that are sized and positioned to receive the distraction screws 110 a and 110 b, respectively, within internal shafts of the sleeves. When the sleeves 305 are inserted over the distraction screws 110, the platform 105 is mounted over the vertebrae as shown in FIG. 1.

With reference to FIG. 4, the implantation device further includes a guide tube 405 and a trocar 410. The guide tube 405 is sized and shaped to be inserted into the bore 122 , as represented by the line A in FIG. 4. FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the guide tube 405, FIG. 5B shows a side view of the guide tube 405, and FIG. 5C shows an end-wise view of the guide tube 405. The guide tube has a proximal end 505 and a distal end 510. The guide tube 405 is hollow such that an internal shaft extends therethrough with the internal shaft opening at the proximal 505 and distal ends 510 of the guide tube 405. A slot-like opening 515 is located at the distal end 510 along one side of the guide tube 405.

The guide tube 405 includes alignment means 520, such as indentations 520, on its outer wall that are intended to interact with the complimentary protrusions in the mounting member 115. The indentations 520 permit placement of the guide tube 405 in a predetermined orientation relative to the mounting member 115 of the platform 105. In this way, the guide tube 405 is always placed with the distal opening 515 facing the space 127 between the spinous processes, as described below. Likewise, the guide tube 405 has protrusions 527 on its inner wall that compliment indentations 1025 on the outer wall of an insertion tube 805 (described below). These features ensure that the distal openings of both tubes face the space between the spinous processes, as described in more detail below.

With reference again to FIG. 4, the trocar 410 is sized and shaped to be inserted into the guide tube 405, as represented by the line B. FIG. 6 shows the guide tube 405 and trocar 410 collectively positioned within the bore 122 of the platform 105. That is, the trocar 410 is positioned within the guide tube 405 and the guide tube 405 is positioned within the bore 122. When positioned as such, the opening 515 (FIGS. 5A, 5B) is positioned adjacent to and oriented toward the space between the vertebrae V1 and V2.

The trocar 410 can be removed from the guide tube 405 while the guide tube 405 remains mounted in the mounting member 115 of the platform 105. FIG. 7 shows the guide tube 405 mounted on the platform 105 after the trocar 410 has been removed from the guide tube 405. With reference now to FIG. 8, the implantation device further includes an insertion tube 805 that is sized and shaped to insert into the guide tube 405, as represented by the line C in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 shows the insertion member 805 mounted in the guide tube 405, which is mounted on the mounting member 115 of the platform 105.

The insertion tube 805 is now described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10A-10E. The insertion tube 805 is adapted to receive and guide an implant into a space between the vertebrae, as described below. The insertion tube 805 is elongated and includes an passageway 1005 that opens at both a distal end 1010 and proximal end 1015 of the insertion tube 805. The distal opening 1020 is positioned on a side of the insertion tube 805. As mentioned, the insertion tube 805 includes alignment means, such as indentations 1025, on its outer wall. The indentations 1025 are sized and shaped to mate with the protrusions 527 (FIG. 5C) on the inner wall of the guide tube 405. In this manner, the distal opening 1020 of the insertion tube 805 aligns with the distal opening 515 of the guide tube 405 when the insertion tube 805 is positioned within the guide tube 405.

With reference to FIGS. 10B and 10E, the internal passageway 1005 of the insertion tube 805 includes a guide ramp 1030 or other such structure adjacent the opening 1020. The guide ramp 1030 is adapted to guide an implant toward the opening 1020 as the implant is moved down the passageway 1005, as described below. It should be appreciated that other structures can be used to guide the implant toward the opening 1020. In one embodiment, the ramp 1030 has a shape that compliments the shape of an implant that is guided through the insertion tube 805.

FIGS. 11A-11D show various views of an exemplary implant 1105 that can be used with the implantation device described herein. The implant 1105 is sized and shaped to slidably fit within the passageway 1005 (FIG. 10B) of the insertion tube 805. The implant 1105 can be, for example, a device intended to preserve vertebral movement or a fusion device that immobilizes vertebral movement. For clarity of illustration, structural details of the implant 1105 are not shown in FIGS. 11 A-11D, although it should be appreciated that the implant 1105 can have a variety of structures, shapes and sizes.

An exemplary method of use for the implantation device is now described. Pursuant to the method, the platform 105, bore 122, and/or the guide 405 and insertion tubes 805 are positioned and aligned in a defined relationship relative to the intended implant placement site. The platform 105 can be movable or stationary or it can change between a movable and stationary state. The guide tube 405 and/or insertion tube 805 can be percutaneously positioned into a defined spatial relationship relative to the intended implant placement site based on their interaction with the platform 105.

With reference to FIG. 2, the distraction screws 110 are first anchored onto the vertebral bodies. Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the platform 105 is mounted onto the distraction screws 110 by sliding the sleeves 305 over the distraction screws 110.

It should be appreciated that the platform 105 can be attached to the vertebrae by other means. For example, the platform 105 can attach onto one or more spinous process using a clamp or spinous process-encircling attachment. Moreover, the platform 105 can be also attached to a first vertebra using a single distraction, clamp or encircling attachment while a secondary post rests within the inter-spinous space (that is, the space between the two spinous processes) and abuts the spinous process of the second vertebra. An example of the method is shown in FIG. 15. Alternatively, the platform 105 can contain one or more attachments that are positioned within the inter-spinous space and that can attach onto or abut one or both spinous process. Finally, the platform can attach onto a single vertebrae that would forgo the ability to manipulate the spatial relationship between the vertebrae but retain the implant placement function. It should be appreciated that the preceding are exemplary embodiments and do not constitute an exhaustive list of potential platforms.

After the platform 105 is mounted, the mounting member 115 of the platform 105 is then movably adjusted to a position at the level of the space between the vertebral bodies (i.e., the spinous processes) under x-ray guidance and then locked in position, such as by using a locking screw 125 or other locking means. With reference to FIG. 4, the trocar 410 is then inserted into the guide tube 405 and both are placed through the bore 122 of the mounting member 115, as shown in FIG. 6. The guide tube 405 and the trocar 410 have been pushed through the skin such that their distal ends approach toward the vertebral bodies. At this stage in the procedure, the distal opening 515 (FIG. 5A) of the guide tube 405 is positioned such that it is adjacent to and opens toward the space 127 between the vertebral bodies. The trocar 410 is then removed from the guide tube 405 such that the empty guide tube 405 is mounted on the platform 105 with the distal end 510 of the guide tube 405 is adjacent to the space 127 between the vertebral bodies V1, V2, as shown in FIG. 7.

Insertion tube 805 is inserted into the guide tube 405, as shown in FIG. 8, and advanced through the tissues until the distal end 101O is positioned adjacent to the desired implant placement site. The distal opening 1020 (FIG. 10A) of the insertion tube 805 is aligned with the distal opening 515 of the guide tube 405. Both openings 515, 1020 are positioned such that they are open toward the space 127 between the vertebral bodies. Implant 1105 is inserted into the proximal opening of the insertion tube 805, as shown in FIG. 12. A pusher can be used to advance the implant 1105 in a direction 1300 through the inner passageway 1005 of the insertion tube 805 and toward the desired position in inter-spinous space 127. FIGS. 13A-13C show how the implant 1105 passes through the insertion tube 805 and into an interspinous space 127. As shown in FIG. 13A, the implant 1105 has been pushed through the passageway 1005 to a position near the distal end 1010 of the insertion tube 805.

As mentioned, the guide ramp 1030 is adapted to guide the implant 1105 toward the opening 1020 and toward the interspinous space 127. With reference to FIGS. 13B and 13C, the implant 1105 is pushed out of the opening 1020 and into the desired location within the inter-spinous space 127. After implant placement, all of the implantation devices are removed but the implant 1105 is retained.

In the embodiments described above, the insertion tube 805 is positioned within the platform 105 along an axis that is offset from the vertical midline M such that the implant 1105 approaches the implant site from the side. In another embodiment, the platform bore 122 that is used to position the insertion tube 805 is placed at or near the vertebral midline M. An example of this platform embodiment is shown in FIG. 14. In this procedure, the implant 1105 is advanced in a substantially straight trajectory through the ligament (not visible) between the spinous processes and directly into the implantation site. Moreover, the insertion tube 805 has no guide ramp 1030 so as to provide the desired straight implant placement trajectory through the insertion tube 805.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show another embodiment of an implantation procedure. In this embodiment, the distraction platform 105 is not employed. During implantation, the guide tube 405 and the trocar 410 are positioned adjacent to the interspinous space 127 under X-ray or direct visual guidance. The guide tube 405 is positioned over a series of progressively larger tubes. Once positioned, the insertion tube 805 is passed into the guide tube 405. The implant 1105 is then guided and placed into the interspinous space via the insertion tube 805 in the manner described above. In another embodiment, two or more tubes can be placed on each side of the interspinous space and the implant 1105 can be passed between the two tubes into the implantation site.

Although embodiments of various methods and devices are described herein in detail with reference to certain versions, it should be appreciated that other versions, embodiments, methods of use, and combinations thereof are also possible. Therefore the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein. 

1. An instrument for the controlled movement of at least two vertebrae comprising: at least one fastener attached onto a spinous process of each of at least two vertebra wherein one end of the fastener attaches to the spinous process of a vertebra and another end of the fastener interacts with a movable platform; and a platform comprising at least two receptacles that are each configured to interact with a spinous process fastener, wherein the platform permits the controlled movement of the receptacles relative to one another.
 2. An instrument as in claim 1, wherein the platform comprises two telescoping members, the telescoping members comprising at least one receptacle that is adapted to receive a spinous process fastener such that the movement of the telescoping members relative to one another produces movement between the spinous process fasteners.
 3. An instrument as in claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a movable member adapted to receive and guide an implant placement device.
 4. An instrument as in claim 3, wherein the movable member can be rigidly affixed onto the platform in a desired position.
 5. An instrument for the delivery of an orthopedic implant comprising: at least one fastener attached to a spinous process of a vertebra wherein one end of the fastener attaches to the spinous process of a vertebra and another end of the fastener interacts with a platform; and a platform comprising a receptacle configured to interact with a spinous process fastener and a platform member that is adapted to interact with an implant placement device.
 6. An instrument as in claim 5, wherein the implant placement device is used to place an implant at a target point that has a defined spatial relationship to at one least one spinous process fastener.
 7. An instrument as in claim 5, wherein the implant placement device is used to place an implant at a target point that has a defined spatial relationship to the platform.
 8. An instrument as in claim 5, wherein the implant placement device comprises at least one access portal having an inner lumen extending between proximal and distal ends and at least one proximal and one distal opening.
 9. An instrument as in claim 8, wherein the inner lumen of the access port comprises features that guide the implant into a predetermined path and orientation relative to an implant site.
 10. An instrument as in claim 9, wherein the inner lumen features produce rotation of the implant.
 11. An instrument as in claim 9, wherein the path of implant placement is substantially linear.
 12. An instrument as in claim 9, wherein the path of implant placement is substantially curvilinear.
 13. An instrument for the controlled movement of at least two vertebrae and the delivery of an orthopedic implant comprising: at least one fastener attached to a spinous process of each of at least two vertebra wherein one end of the fastener attaches to the spinous process of a vertebra and another end of the fastener interacts with a platform; a platform comprising at least two receptacles that are each configured to interact with a spinous process fastener, wherein the platform permits the controlled movement of the receptacles relative to one another; and a platform member that is adapted to interact with an implant placement device.
 14. An instrument as in claim 13, wherein the implant placement device is used to place an implant at a target point that has a defined spatial relationship to at one least one spinous process fastener.
 15. An instrument as in claim 13, wherein the implant placement device is used to place an implant at a target point that has a defined spatial relationship to the platform.
 16. An instrument as in claim 13, wherein the implant placement device comprises at least one access portal having an inner lumen extending between proximal and distal ends and at least one proximal and one distal opening.
 17. An instrument as in claim 16, wherein the inner lumen of the access portal comprises features that guide the implant into a predetermined path.
 18. An instrument as in claim 17, wherein the inner lumen features produce rotation of the implant.
 19. An instrument as in claim 17, wherein the path of implant placement is substantially linear.
 20. An instrument as in claim 17, wherein the path of implant placement is substantially curvilinear.
 21. A method for the controlled movement of vertebra comprising: attaching one or more fasteners onto a spinous process of each of at least two vertebrae wherein one end of the fastener attaches to the spinous process of a vertebra and another end of the fastener interacts with a platform; attaching a platform configured to interact with the fasteners wherein the platform can exert a force onto the fasteners to produce vertebral movement; and applying force onto the fasteners and the attached vertebra so as to actuate, manipulate and move the vertebrae into a desired position and spatial relationship.
 22. A method as in claim 21, wherein moving vertebrae comprises performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure.
 23. A method as in claim 21, wherein moving vertebrae comprises performing a percutaneous procedure.
 24. A method for the placement of an orthopedic device comprising: attaching one or more fasteners onto a spinous process of each of at least two vertebrae wherein one end of the fastener attaches to the spinous process of a vertebra and another end of the fastener interacts with a platform; attaching a platform onto the fasteners wherein the platform is configured to receive an implant placement device; and placing an implant using the implant placement device.
 25. A method as in claim 24, wherein using the implant placement device comprises placing an implant at a target point that has a defined spatial relationship to at one least one spinous process fastener.
 26. A method as in claim 24, wherein using the implant placement device comprises placing an implant at a target point that has a defined spatial relationship to the platform.
 27. A method as in claim 24, wherein placing an implant comprises performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure.
 28. A method as in claim 24, wherein placing an implant comprises performing a percutaneous procedure.
 29. A method for the controlled movement of vertebra and the placement of an orthopedic device comprising: attaching one or more fasteners onto a spinous process of each of at least two vertebrae wherein one end of the fastener attaches to the spinous process of a vertebra and another end of the fastener interacts with a platform; attaching a platform adapted to produce movement of the spinous process fasteners and to receive an implant placement device; exerting force by the platform onto the fasteners and the attached vertebra so as to actuate, manipulate and move the vertebrae into the desired position and spatial relationship; and placing an implant using the implant placement device.
 30. A method as in claim 29, wherein using the implant placement device comprises placing an implant at a target point that has a defined spatial relationship to at one least one spinous process fastener.
 31. A method as in claim 29, wherein using the implant placement device comprises placing an implant at a target point that has a defined spatial relationship to the platform.
 32. A method as in claim 29, wherein the moving of vertebra and placing an orthopedic device comprises performing a minimally invasive procedure.
 33. A method as in claim 29, wherein the moving of vertebra and placing an orthopedic device comprises performing a percutaneous procedure.
 34. An orthopedic implant guide and placement kit for use in spinal surgery, comprising: at least one bone fastener that is adapted to attach onto the spinous process of a vertebra; a platform comprising two telescoping members wherein each member comprises at least one receptacle that is adapted to receive a spinous process fastener so that movement of the telescoping members relative to one another produces movement between the spinous process fasteners; an implant insertion device that couples to the platform, wherein the distal end of the insertion device is guided by the platform to the desired implant placement site; and an implant configured to be placed between the spinous processes of neighboring vertebrae is adapted to interact with and be placed by the implant placement device.
 35. A kit as in claim 34, wherein the implant insertion device comprises at least one access portal comprising an inner lumen extending between proximal and distal ends and having at least one proximal and one distal opening.
 36. A kit as in claim 35, wherein the inner lumen of the access portal comprises features that guide the implant into a predetermined path.
 37. A kit as in claim 35, wherein the inner lumen of the access portal comprises features that guide the implant into a predetermined orientation relative to the implant placement site. 